*I received a free digital advanced reader’s copy of this book from William Morrow Paperbacks via Edelweiss. This did not influence my review of this book in anyway. This is an honest review of the novel as I saw it. This novel will be on sale on Feb. 2, 2016.*
Synopsis from Amazon:
All Susannah Simon wants is to make a good impression at her first job since graduating from college (and since becoming engaged to Dr. Jesse de Silva).
But when she’s hired as a guidance counselor at her alma mater, she stumbles across a decade-old murder, and soon ancient history isn’t all that’s coming back to haunt her. Old ghosts as well as new ones are coming out of the woodwork, some to test her, some to vex her, and it isn’t only because she’s a mediator, gifted with second sight.
From a sophomore haunted by the murderous specter of a child, to ghosts of a very different kind—including Paul Slater, Suze’s ex, who shows up to make a bargain Suze is certain must have come from the Devil himself—Suze isn’t sure she’ll make it through the semester, let alone to her wedding night.
Suze is used to striking first and asking questions later. But what happens when ghosts from her past—including one she found nearly impossible to resist—strike first?
What happens when old ghosts come back to haunt you?
If you’re a mediator, you might have to kick a little ass.
I was so excited when I received the ARC for this novel because I loved the Mediator series when I was in junior high/high school. I read the whole series at least twice and it was always my go to series when I was in a reading slump.
It was so great to see Suze and Jesse again, especially now that they could really be together. It was also interesting to see so many familiar characters, including Father Dom., Debbie, Kelly, all the step brothers, and of course, Paul Slater.
I really liked how Meg Cabot set up this sequel. It was crazy seeing how all the stepbrothers turned out and what they’re doing in the present. A lot of it was unexpected and some of it didn’t surprise me at all.
At first I was worried I wouldn’t like Suze and Jesse as much as I used to. I forgot how old fashioned Jesse is and how stubborn Suze could be. But as I kept reading the traits that I loved about them shined through and I remembered why I fell in love with this series in the first place.
Jesse is just as sweet, overprotective, and a gentleman as he always has been and Suze is just as smart, kind, and kick ass as always. I loved getting to see them in the present and being in an adult relationship.
This is a very cute and fun read, and I wouldn’t mind another book about these two. I definitely think there’s room for at least one more book and I’d love to read that but I am also very satisfied with this ending.
If you loved the Mediator series anywhere near as much as I did then you definitely have to pick up this book. If for no other reason than for nostalgia. But honestly, it’s a great read on its own.
Borrow or Buy: I know I want a copy of this for my own shelf so I guarantee you’ll want one on yours. Buy it!
Stars:
Zakiya N. Jamal 